This week’s Top Ten Tuesday topic is to reveal my “Top TenBooks Which Feature Characters Who _________.” I’ll admit this one was hard. You mean I get to fill in the blank? What topic should I choose? UGH! The possibilities were endless. So after giving it some thought, I decided to choose books which feature characters who found love where least expected. I don’t mean found love with the boy (girl) next door that used to be a geek, but now is super hot. I mean found love across different dimensions, in an opposing faction or species, with a supposed enemy, an angel, or at a group therapy session. A love that was not being looked for, or even necessarily wanted. Though once these people found each other, they never could imagine someone else who would be a better fit for them. Thanks to The Broke and the Bookish for hosting this weekly meme.Hopefully it goes without saying that the list below may contain spoilers, so be warned!And without further ado, here’s my list of the “Top Ten Books Which Feature Characters Who Found Love Where Least Expected!”

1.) Jamie & Claire Fraser – Outlander Series

Jamie and Claire meet after Claire finds herself 200 years back in the past following a freak accident. An English woman wandering around the Scottish Highlands, Claire was mistaken for an English spy, and captured by a group of clansmen. Among the group was Jamie. The two grow to like each other as friends, and eventually (through a series of events) get forced into marriage. A situation born of necessity turns into something more that neither expected. Claire, a 20th century woman, learns to navigate the 18th century, and must decide whether she should remain with her new love, or try to return home to her time and the husband waiting for her there. This couple’s love story spans 8 books to date, and is about two people who desperately love each other. After reading about them, how can you settle for less?

“I want him.” I had not said that to Jamie at our marriage; I had not wanted him, then. But I had said it since, three times; in two moments of choice at Craigh na Dun, and once again at Lallybroch. “I want him.” I wanted him still, and nothing whatever could stand between us.” ― Diana Gabaldon, Voyager

2.) Adrian & Sydney – Bloodlines Series

Adrian and Sydney fell in love against their better judgement. They’re nothing alike. Adrian Ivashkov is a Moroi (vampire), royalty, alcoholic, manic-depressive who spent his time with women and booze. Sydney Sage, however, is a type-A, studious human whose chemical of choice is caffeine. As an Alchemist it was Sydney’s job to clean up the messes Moroi left behind, and the number one rule was to never, ever get close to them. That all changed when the two were forced to work together, and had to pretend to be siblings on their assignment. Once they got to know each other, they shrugged off all conventions and were willing to give up everything (family, friends, possibly the crown) for love. They didn’t just complete each other, but made one another better, and proved that bigotry operates in ignorance, that you must fight for what you want, and love can conquer all.

“Being with you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, the one perfect decision I’ve made in a lifetime of fumbling and poor judgment. I’d go through it all again to be by your side. Never doubt that. Never doubt how I feel about you.” ― Richelle Mead, The Ruby Circle

3.) Magnus Bane & Alec Lightwood – The Mortal Instruments Series

Like Adrian and Sydney, Magnus and Alec fell in love despite being “enemies.” Magnus is a warlock who is considered to be evil because of his parentage, and not his actions, while Alec is a Shadowhunter. A race of beings defended from angels who hunt vampires, demons, and yes, warlocks. At first their relationship was secret due to their age differences (Magnus may be 200 years old), and Alec just learning to accept his sexuality. Later, forced do deal with the various skeletons in their respective closets, the two decide that nothing is worth being apart. Since they aren’t the typical love at first sight YA romance, Magnus & Alec’s relationship supersedes Cary & Jace’s in my heart, as their struggle to be together seem more realistic.

“Even if it were just days, I want to spend them all with you. Does that mean anything?”“Yes,” Magnus said. “It means that from now on we make every day matter.” ― Cassandra Clare, City of Heavenly Fire

4.) Sam & Grace – The Wolves of Mercy Falls Trilogy

Another cross-species romance on the list is Sam & Grace from Maggie Stiefvater’s The Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy. Sam is a werewolf who falls in love with a human girl. Stealing glances at her as a wolf in the winter, Sam longs to forge a relationship with Grace in the summers when he’s in human form, but it seems futile. Suffice it to say, these two finally do come together, and must figure out a way to be together. It’s a touching story about love, and what family truly means.

“I didn’t think I belonged here in her world, a boy stuck between two lives, dragging the dangers of the wolves with me, but when she said my name, waiting for me to follow, I knew I’d do anything to stay with her.” ― Maggie Stiefvater, Shiver

5.) Khal Drogo & Daenerys Targaryen – A Song of Ice and Fire

Forced into marriage to secure a political alliance, Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen were not a love match at first. However, Dany soon discovered the ways of the tribe she married into, and learned how to assimilate into their culture. In the process, Dany also learned how to win Drogo’s heart. Their love was so strong, that Dany travelled the ends of the earth for Drogo, and he was willing to do the same.

“When the sun rises in the west and sets in the east,” she said sadly. “When the seas go dry and mountains blow in the wind like leaves. When my womb quickens again, and I bear a living child. Then you will return, my sun-and-stars, and not before.” – George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones

6.) Daemon Black & Katy Swartz – LUX Series

Jennifer L. Armentrout’s LUX series is a fun read for fans of the old WB series, Roswell. Daemon Black is an alien who is secretly living among humans with his family. Katy Swartz is the girl next door who discovers his identity and gets sucked into a bunch of crazy alien stuff. It’s instant attraction for these two, but Daemon’s acerbic wit and seemingly douchbaggery initially puts these lovebirds at odds. Watching them grow from two people never meant to be together, to two people willing to battle anything and everyone to stay together is what makes them a duo to root for.

“Kat.” He uttered my name like it was some kind of prayer, and then he pressed a kiss against the skin behind my ear. “I broke every rule of my kind to heal you and keep you with me. I … burned down an entire city to keep you safe. I’ve killed for you. Did you think I’d forget what you mean to me? That anything in this world— in any world— would be stronger than my love for you?” ― Jennifer L. Armentrout, Opposition

7.) Blay & Qhuinn – Black Dagger Brotherhood series

Blay and Qhuinn first make an appearance in the 3rd (?) book of J. R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. This vampire series has it all: romance, fight scenes, sex scenes, comedy, drama, suspense, and occasionally tears. These two are childhood best friends who we watch become men trying to figure out who they are and where they belong. Along the way romantic feelings develop, and waiting for them to hook up is excruciating. When they do, it’s definitely worth it. Making them two of my favorite couples in the series.

“Because I was, and I remain, utterly and completely and totally…in love with you.”― J.R. Ward, Lover at Last

8.) Paul Atreides & Chani Kynes – The Dune Saga

Paul and Chani’s romance carried on in the background of this science fiction classic. Frank Herbert’s Dune saga is filled with political intrigue, philosophy, leadership skills, war strategy, and murder, but Paul and Chani’s romance helped make Paul “Maud’Dib” Atreides a complex character. A messiah worth rooting for. These two met after Paul moved to Dune with his father, who was sent by the Emperor to govern this profitable planet. Born noble, Paul was Chani’s opposite, but her quiet beauty captivated him from the very first moment of their meeting, and you just knew they were meant to be.

“I see us giving love to each other in a time of quiet between storms. It’s what we were meant to do.” ― Frank Herbert, Dune

9.) Patch Cipriano & Nora Gray – Hush, Hush series

A fallen angel and a girl are the epitome of star-crossed lovers, yet Patch and Nora somehow find their way to each other. Of course as these things go, the going isn’t easy. The angels aren’t happy. Patch has enemies. High school. There’s always something, or someone, trying to get in between these two, yet they hang tough.

“I want to wake up with you every morning and fall asleep beside you each night,” Patch told me gravely. “I want to take care of you, cherish you, and love you in a way no other man ever could. I want to spoil you — every kiss, every touch, every thought, they all belong to you. I’ll make you happy. Every day, I’ll make you happy.” ― Becca Fitzpatrick, Finale

10.) Augustus Waters & Hazel Grace Lancaster – The Fault in Our Stars

Never has a book wrecked me like The Fault in Our Stars. So much so, that I have two John Green novels just sitting in my bookcase waiting to be read. I’m afraid. Very afraid. Augustus and Hazel’s love story is as tragic as it is uplifting. While they were perfect for each other, they make this list because of where they first meet. At a group counseling session for teens battling cancer. Not quite the place you expect romance to bloom, but for these two it did.

“You say you’re not special because the world doesn’t know about you, but that’s an insult to me. I know about you.” ― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

So there you have it folks! My “Top Ten Books Which Feature Characters Who Found Love Where Least Expected.” Did some of your favorites make the list? If not, who would you have picked? Feel free to leave your picks in the comments below! In the meantime, keep reading!

About Cassandra Clare

Cassandra Clare was born overseas and spent her early years traveling around the world with her family and several trunks of fantasy books. Cassandra worked for several years as an entertainment journalist for the Hollywood Reporter before turning her attention to fiction. She is the author of City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy and a New York Times bestseller. Cassandra lives with her fiance and their two cats in Massachusetts.

About Diana Gabaldon

Diana Gabaldon is the author of the award-winning, #1 NYT-bestselling OUTLANDER novels, described by Salon magazine as “the smartest historical sci-fi adventure-romance story ever written by a science Ph.D. with a background in scripting “Scrooge McDuck” comics.”

About George R. R. Martin

George R.R. Martin was born September 20, 1948 in Bayonne, New Jersey.He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood children for pennies, dramatic readings included. Later he became a comic book fan and collector in high school, and began to write fiction for comic fanzines (amateur fan magazines). Martin’s first professional sale was made in 1970 at age 21: “The Hero,” sold to Galaxy, published in February, 1971 issue.

In 1970 Martin received a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to complete a M.S. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern. In 1975 he married Gale Burnick. They divorced in 1979, with no children. Martin became a full-time writer in 1979. He was writer-in-residence at Clarke College from 1978-79.

Moving on to Hollywood, Martin signed on as a story editor for Twilight Zone at CBS Television in 1986. In 1987 Martin became an Executive Story Consultant for Beauty and the Beast at CBS. In 1988 he became a Producer for Beauty and the Beast, then in 1989 moved up to Co-Supervising Producer. He was Executive Producer for Doorways, a pilot which he wrote for Columbia Pictures Television, which was filmed during 1992-93.

Martin’s present home is Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (he was South-Central Regional Director 1977-1979, and Vice President 1996-1998), and of Writers’ Guild of America, West.

About J. R. Ward

J.R. Ward is a #1 New York Times and USAToday Best Selling author of erotic paranormal romance. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. After graduating from law school, she began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. Writing has always been her passion and her idea of heaven is a whole day of nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot.

About Jennifer L. Armentrout

# 1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout Lives in West Virginia. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write.

She is the author of the Covenant Series (Spencer Hill Press), the Lux Series (Entangled Teen), Don’t Look Back (Disney/Hyperion) and a yet untitled novel (Disney/Hyperion), and new YA paranormal series with Harlequin Teen.

Jennifer also writes New Adult and Adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn. The Gamble Brothers Series (Tempting the Best Man/Tempting the Player) and Wait for You. Under her pen name, she is published with Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

About John Green

John Green’s first novel, Looking for Alaska, won the 2006 Michael L. Printz Award presented by the American Library Association. His second novel, An Abundance of Katherines, was a 2007 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book and a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His next novel, Paper Towns, is a New York Times bestseller and won the Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best YA Mystery. In January 2012, his most recent novel, The Fault in Our Stars, was met with wide critical acclaim, unprecedented in Green’s career. The praise included rave reviews in Time Magazine and The New York Times, on NPR, and from award-winning author Markus Zusak. The book also topped the New York Times Children’s Paperback Bestseller list for several weeks. Green has also coauthored a book with David Levithan called Will Grayson, Will Grayson, published in 2010. The film rights for all his books, with the exception of Will Grayson Will Grayson, have been optioned to major Hollywood Studios.

About Maggie Stiefvater

New York Times bestselling author of The Shiver Trilogy, The Raven Cycle, and The Scorpio Races. Artist. Driver of things with wheels. Avid reader.

All of Maggie Stiefvater’s life decisions have been based around her inability to be gainfully employed. Talking to yourself, staring into space, and coming to work in your pajamas are frowned upon when you’re a waitress, calligraphy instructor, or technical editor (all of which she’s tried), but are highly prized traits in novelists and artists. She’s made her living as one or the other since she was 22. She now lives an eccentric life in the middle of nowhere, Virginia with her charmingly straight-laced husband, two kids, two neurotic dogs, and a 1973 Camaro named Loki.

About Richelle Mead

Scorpio Richelle Mead is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy books for both adults and teens. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington where she works on her three series full-time. Before becoming a writer, she considered a few different career paths. She received a liberal arts degree from the University of Michigan, an MA in Comparative Religion from Western Michigan University, and a Master in Teaching (Middle & High School English) degree from the University of Washington. In the end, she decided writing was the way for her but believes all of her education prepared her for it.